Scandi Thriller The Bridge Gets Russian Treatment

AMSTERDAM/CANNES: The original scripted format The Bridge has landed in Russia, with Endemol Shine Group partner Weit Media set to develop a local adaptation.

NTV Channel in Russia commissioned 20 episodes to run over two seasons. The show, based on Filmlance International and Nimbus Film’s hit Scandinavian thriller Bron/Broen, begins when a body is found on the Narva Friendship Bridge between Russia and Estonia. Production will begin in June for a 2017 broadcast, with season two being filmed consecutively.

The format has to date been adapted in the U.S., French and U.K. markets.

Lars Blomgren, the managing director of Filmlance, said: “The Bridge is a truly global format, marrying provocative themes with grounded storytelling and characters. By setting the central concept against the unique cultural and socio-political backdrop of the Russian/Estonian border, it allows for a new and extraordinary story to unfold. I’m extremely excited at the prospect of working with our colleagues at Weit Media and can’t wait to get started.”

Yulia Sumacheva, the CEO of Weit Media, remarked: “The Bridge is an outstanding drama series and we are thrilled at this opportunity to produce the Russian-Estonian adaptation with it’s extraordinary cast and are looking forward to working closely with Lars Blomgren.”

Marina Williams, COO of international operations at Endemol Shine Group, added: “The Bridge has huge resonance across a variety of markets and I am delighted that our team in Russia has the opportunity to develop this intelligent, ambitious adaptation. NTV is one of the key broadcasters in the Russian market and their involvement is a real testament to the quality of the project: we look forward to the series going into production and it’s launch later in the year.”